fraud

State officials have received thousands of complaints related to residential construction fraud in the last several years, a problem the Utah Department of Commerce says has cost residents a combined $32 million.

Less than two hours before the Senate adjourned for the week-long transmittal break, the Senate voted to ask the Legislative Audit Division to investigate allegations.

Contract signed by the former Senate president was rushed to get funding that expired on Dec. 31.

The former Republican state Senate president denied Friday any wrongdoing in connection with a $170,000 no-bid contract he signed in his final days in office, an expenditure that is now under scrutiny by new Senate leadership.

Lela Graham writes, "Rather than placing new regulations on peer-to-peer platforms, the Senate should focus on strengthening law enforcement, educating the public about financial scams, and increasing penalties to deter scammers."

Donald Trump allies Rudy Giuliani, former chief of staff Mark Meadows, and others were indicted Wednesday on fraud and conspiracy charges alongside several Republican leaders.